November 25, 2012

November 25, 2012

Sad day : (  I won't have any pictures on this blog.  I have used my 1 GB that I get free.  I have to make some decisions, but for now, looks like I won't have any pictures.  Sorry! I will figure something out soon.  The pictures are my favorite part.

Happy Thanksgiving!  (a few days late)  I pray that everyone had a great Thanksgiving with friends and family!  What a wonderful time to thank the Lord for the many blessings in our lives.  Even though we don't deserve it, God continues to richly bless us!  Here's what we've been up to the last couple of weeks.

Weather update:  COLD!  Very COLD!  But as I keep telling my family, if you dress for it, it is no big deal whatsoever.  Still taking Finley to both the dog park and several walks up in the hills at 20 below.
-  Sunrise: 10:02 a.m.
-  Sunset: 3:13 p.m.
-  Hours of daylight:  5 hours and 11 minutes
-  Temps - 20 below as I type, tomorrow a high of 2 below, and the next day, high of 10 below.  Who wants to come and visit us in December! For Christmas!  Please!

I've been working in schools on a regular basis.  Enjoying it, but also enjoying my time with piano students.  We found a PIANO!  No, we don't have it yet but hopefully over the next couple of weeks.  Working on how to get it up two flights of stairs and into our house.  It is a beautiful Story and Clark upright piano, and in really good condition.  She is giving it to us for a HUGE deal.  Can't wait to start having lessons in my own house.  Pictures to come once we get it in our house.

My knitting has picked up lately!  Especially as our temps drop : )  I have knitted a few items for my friends new daughter, Kate and my godson, Parker, as well as some Christmas presents that I can't post until after Christmas, sorry.  Thanks to my amazing sister-in-law, Kristin.  I have a brochure, website, and email address for my knitting, Alaskan Boutique.  Hopefully within the next couple weeks I can get it all updated and make it all available to whomever would like it.  I am excited to try knitting knew things that people suggest, and perfecting my older items.  You'll have to check out facebook to see pics of these!

Leading up to Thanksgiving we had lots going on here at home and at church.  I played for the Thanksgiving service, which we had the night before Thanksgiving.  We then spent most of Thanksgiving in our pj's, watching football, the parade, knitting, going on a hike with Finley, and relaxing.  Around dinner time we went to a members for a Thanksgiving meal.  It was delicious!  Jason did just a small amount of Black Friday shopping. I just dropped him off.  I have never been one to fight those crazies.

Along with some wonderful members, we decorated our church for Christmas.  It looks beautiful!  I will try to gets pics of that for my next blog.  We also got to put up our decorations inside and our Christmas lights outside.  Brrrrrrrrr!  It makes it really hard to put up lights outside when it is 15 below, you are bundled up head to toe, and your gloves won't allow you work any faster.  But we did it!

Jason is doing very well.  Heading into a busy season, but loving doing the Lord's work.  Next week Sunday begins Advent, so two sermons a week will make him a bit busier.  Other than that, things continue as usual.

Finley is doing great! Loving the cool temps, longs walks, and trips to the dog park.  Last Monday he turned a year and five months old.  He is still all puppy, but is slowly improving in some areas.  He continues to bring so much joy to our lives!  We love him greatly!

This week will be a busy one.  I have three, 3-hour choir rehearsals for our big concert on Sunday, December 2.  I can't wait!  Not too excited for the rehearsals, but very excited for the Holiday Concert.

May God bless your weeks!

Love,
Becky

November 12, 2012

November 12, 2012

Another busy week.  Fun, but busy!

I subbed 3 days this week.  2 days I was in a Kindergarten classroom, and the third I bounced around to different rooms.  On Tuesday I continued to teach my piano lessons.  This Tuesday I will start one new student!  That puts me up to 10 lessons.  (with two more possible joining soon : )  Still no piano here at home, but lessons at church are working out well for now.  Praying that a decent piano gets sent my way soon.  For now, I'll continue to teach over at church.  

On my day off this week, we took another hike on a very cold, but very sunny day.  Here are some pics. 

 My boys.

 This would be Denali, but it is very hard to see.  We are saving for a nicer camera, so maybe soon I can get an awesome picture to post.  

 He loves his freedom on these hikes.  As do we!

 Jason and I both sat in the snow, while being about 15 to 20 below, and could have taken a nap.  It was just so calm and peaceful up there, and we weren't even cold.  I know, sounds crazy, but there is no wind, and we were very bundled up.  Long underwear, face masks, boots, wool socks, etc.  

God's creation is still beautiful at 20 below!

 Beautiful birch trees .

 Pulled his booties out.  He was beginning to get cold, and lifting up his paws.  We knew it was time.  He is so fun to watch slip and slide all over the place. 

 Here's what the smoke from buildings does at 20-30 below.  Heads up, then flattens out across the sky.  Almost looks like an atomic bomb. ( I think I'm watching too much 24)

The Fairbanks Symphony Choir continues to go very well! I am loving every rehearsal, which is a good thing since we have two-three rehearsals a week till our concert on December 2.  This past THursday, we had the director the symphony come in to watch/lead rehearsal.  WOW!  We thought our director had energy!  It is great working with both highly talented directors.  Due to the amount of music we have, there are two added rehearsals coming up, including a three hour rehearsal tomorrow night.   Can't wait!  I just love having something to look forward to, and also being surrounded by happy people on these cold, dark winter days.  

On Saturday, I enjoyed a day to myself going to the Holiday Marketplace (a bazaar with anything and everything for sale).  I also did some other shopping, which involved me spending my birthday money from October.  Being unsuccessful finding the correct clothing for my concert, I called on Stephanie!  She found exactly what I needed in the metropolis of Milwaukee, and will mail it tomorrow.  I am so thankful for her!  We just need more clothing stores up here in Fairbanks.  Kohls? Target?  Are you coming anytime soon?

Still been knitting quite a bit, but can't post them yet.  Too many of them are gifts!  Pictures to come soon!

 Very new pictures!  Just completed today.  We had gutters installed.  No more ice skating rinks on our stairs or driveway.  Felt bad for the men installing them in this cold weather. 

More new gutters. 

That about covers things!  I hear the Midwest is having their first snowfall today.  Awesome!  Glad you could join us.  Too bad your temps go right back up tomorrow to high 40's. 

 If you really want winter, come visit us!  It's here, and so are we!

Weather update:  Temps range from 20 above to 20 below.  For the next week, it looks like we won't go above 0.  Snow on the ground, but not too much in the forecast. 

Sunrise: 9:22 a.m.

Sunset: 3:48 p.m.  

IT'S GETTING SHORTER!

Total hours of daylight: 6 hours and 26 minutes

God bless all of you as we near our Thanksgiving celebration!  I know we have so much to be thankful for, even though at times I tend to focus on the blessings and things that I don't have. 

 The difficult part is keeping my focus on those many blessings and things we DO have!  

Becky 

November 3, 2012

November 2, 2012

We'll start of with a video of our pup Finley.  Hope it works!  Jason did this to him, not me.

I am just a couple days behind.  But here is what we've been up to this past week:

Weather update:  We range from 15 below zero to 15 above.  Sunrise is at 9:48 a.m. and sunset is at 5:20 p.m.  We have 7 hours and 32 minutes of sunlight.  Still not too bad.  In 2 months we will be at 4 hours of daylight.  It's been a bit chilly, but hasn't slowed us down one bit.  Finley has had several adventures at the dog park, several walks, and lots of time outside.  

The Lord truly blessed me with work this week.  I had work every day!  The school I was at last year has now started to call me for almost every day.  Monday I subbed in a 5th grade room.  Tuesday I taught my 10 piano lessons.  Wednesday I taught in 3 different classrooms, Thursday I worked at home completing all the invitations, and Friday I taught Kindergarten ALL DAY!  I loved Friday; it was so great to be back in front of the students.  Next week is looking pretty good as well.  God is good!

I was very busy working on making almost 60 handmade invitations for our Advent by Candlelight.  They are complete!  This will be the first Advent by Candlelight held at Light of the World.  The women are very excited and anxious for this event.  We are praying for a great turnout!  We already have 5 people willing to host a table.  

 Inside the cards.

 Sample of the outside. 

 What my table looked like during the process. 

Another sample

Knitting season has begun!  I usually wait till the snow, cold and darkness arrive.  I have started making items that people have ordered.  I am hoping to try a lot of new designs this winter.  

 Same hat as below, just with a pink flower.

We went on a hike up at the summit of one of the large hills in Fairbanks.  This was the same place I hiked last week.  Finley loved it!  He was able to be off leash, and enjoyed running through the snow.  It was a beautiful SUNNY day, with blue skies and mountain views.  

 The loves of my life!

 So handsome. 

 Isn't he the most adorable dog you've ever seen!

 Alaska range through the trees.  Hard to see, but so majestic in real life. 

 We have a blooming cactus in Alaska!  I love it!

 We were given free tickets to the Nanook hockey game last night!  This is one of our favorite things to do in winter.  Here is the UAF mascot, the Nanook!  Came right up to us and posed for a picture.  

 Winter is here! This is our home in the woods.  

It was about 12 below zero yesterday while I was at school teaching.  After the school day, I came out to find this water bottle frozen.  I know it's not that unbelievable, but just had to share.  

My prayers go out to those on the East coast who are struggling with all the sadness and destruction after Hurricane Sandy.  I pray that the Lord continues to give them the strength they need to get through this difficult time.  

Count your blessings every day.  Be thankful for even the smallest of things.  Don't ever take any moments for granted. Tell your family you love them and appreciate them EVERY DAY!

God bless, 

Becky

Wednesday, October 24

October 24

I did it, exactly one week since my last post!

Even though it's only been a week, it's been quite busy.  I am continuing to nanny for an 8 month old boy.  It is a blast!  He is such a well behaved baby, and we have so much fun.  Around lunch time each day, I take him to meet his mom, who is out working on the lakes in and around Fairbanks.  I have had an opportunity to walk on more frozen lakes in the last week, then I have my entire life.  I am not a huge fan of walking on frozen water, but with our cold temperatures, I felt pretty confident.

 A view of one of the lakes I walked on. 

 Black and white photo of the lake north of town.

 Shoveling off the lake in order to do their work.  There was a layer of snow, layer of slush, and then a layer of water all on top of the frozen ice.  A little bit scary to walk on. 

 Another lake picture. 

My Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra rehearsal went very well.  I am really enjoying my time with this group.  Our director has so much energy, and is very gifted.  Going into this, I thought we would just be singing only 2-3 songs.  WRONG!  So far, we have at least 8!  One of which is three of the main songs from "Home Alone".  Which are actually quite difficult to sing.  The arrangements are very tricky.  Some of our other selections are Hallelujah Chorus, Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Here Comes Santa Clause.  Our concert is in about 2 months, so we still have 8 rehearsals.  Should be a great concert.  

On Saturday, a member at church gave us free tickets to a UAF (University of Alaska - Fairbanks) Volleyball game.  It was so neat to finally get to one.   

 They won!

 UAF mascot, the Nanook.  Thought these mats were kind of cool.

So we are trying to eat what we have in our freezer.  As you can see, we had a TURKEY in our freezer.  So why not make a Thanksgiving meal.  We enjoyed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, fruit, and homemade (Grandma Strong recipe) dinner rolls.  Delicious.  Still eating leftovers.  

Sunday was a great day!  63 people in church, 9 kids in Sunday school, the kids sang for church with the choir, I had treats afterward, and we even had more visitors.  GOD IS GOOD!  We took Finley to the dog park after church, and he had a blast.  That evening we had one of the UAF students over for dinner.  He is the only one who could make it, but in the future, we are hoping to have all 7 over to our house.  We will see what the Lord has in mind for the Campus Ministry.  

My piano lessons continue to go smoothly!  I am greatly enjoying teaching the children.  Hoping to find a piano soon, so that we can have lessons over here at the home.  Can't wait!

Last night we had a wonderful Women's Bible study here at the house.  It was on "Building Healthy Relationships."  It is such a blessing to be uplifted and encouraged by fellow Christians, and ultimately by our Savior.  I greatly cherish this time!

So today, I got to take Jorgan (pronounced Yorgan) back out to his own house for lunch.  After he ate, we went on an incredible hour and a half walk up along Chena Ridge.  This overlooks Fairbanks, the Alaska Range, and Mt. McKinley.  We saw all of the above.  I even got to bring Finley with me.  It was about 15 degrees, and sunny:)  That sun makes all the difference in the world.  

 Me and my pup.

The three of us enjoying God's creation. 

 Alaska range in the background of this picture, but my phone doesn't take the best pictures. 

 Little Jorgan with his mom, all bundled up.  He was so content the entire time, didn't do anything but sing, hum, and make little noises.  Such a happy kid.  

Jorgan and Finley! Both looking oh so cute!

God continues to give his blessings in so many ways.  I am thankful for the job I have of watching Jorgan, and thankful for the good friends here in Fairbanks.  If we all take time to look at our lives, we will see just how much the Lord continues to bless us, even though we don't deserve it.  I continually fail to look at the positives, but succeed at complaining about the negatives. Why is this?  I pray that the Lord helps me turn that around!

See ya next week!

God bless, 

Becky

Midwest trip - October

October 17, 2012

                Life continued on after all our guests left this summer.  Things began to pick up at church with choir starting, Sunday school starting back up, and much more. We also tried to get things done here at home.  We wanted to get all those outside, summery things done quickly, because on September 23, we left for the LOWER 48!, and we were sure there would be snow on the ground by the time we returned.  It was time to take a much needed break and see family and friends.  Jason would miss his first two Sunday in over a year!  (he actually ended up missing 3). 

The start of the trip was a bit rough, having to leave for Anchorage a day early due to flooding, road closures, mudslides, and much more.  I know in other states, you have several alternative routes you can take to get from point A to point B.  But here in Alaska, you only have 2.  We had to get down to Anchorage in order to not miss our flight.  Anyways, everything worked out, we dropped Finley off at the amazing Mooty house, and were off on our trip.  Below you will see lots of pictures showing some of the amazing friends and family we got to see.  I am sorry we couldn’t see all of you, but you will just have to come and visit us up here! We would LOVE to have you.  God truly blessed our trip with safe travels, great food, amazing conversation, and an immense reminder of the many wonderful people God has placed in our lives.  Enjoy the pictures!

 First stop, Philip's home!  What a crazy night filled with shouting, screaming, and throwing pillows.  This was the night of "THE" big game.

 Stopped in Hudson, WI to have lunch with the Plasters who used to live up in Alaska.  

 Saw my godmother, Stephanie!

 Beautiful chapel at MLC, with the beautiful Kimberly.

 They took out the seal! 

 Kim's dorm room.

 Jason with his goddaughter, Hannah! So adorable! (Hannah, not Jason : )

 Even got to spend an evening with Nik, Jason's great friend from high school. Hope to see him in Alaska soon!

 Loved the fall colors in MN. 

 Schleis family in Menominee

 Mike and Naomi Strusz - at the get together at Leerman's in Theresa.

Thanks for making the trip guys! Delicious homemade mac n cheese.

 With the beautiful pregnant Jamie and her husband Jon.  Miss you guys already! 

 Finally, my godson Parker!  He's even wearing the outfit we got him.  Spent many hours holding this sweet baby boy.  Thanks Kristin and Ian for having him!

 5 cousins with Kristin

 Happy Jason and Hannah on the morn of Parker's reaffirmation. 

 Two seconds later when Jason made Hannah smack her head on the pew.  See expressions.

 Surrounding Grandpa in his Lion's shirt. 

 Aaron Rogers fan club!

 Amazing group of friends! No matter what the distance, nothing can break the amazing bond. 

The Strong group! Missing a few, but almost everyone.

 Crazy Vegas Strongs!

Next we headed to the Schmill side of the family!

 We got to meet Kathy's newest family member, Gabby.

MUCH MUCH smaller than Finley.

 The delicious apple pie that my mom made just for my birthday. 

 After a delicious Thanksgiving like dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's.  Miss that good food.

 Just my mom and me. 

 Family = love!

 Aunt Kathy 

 Our beautiful childhood home.

 Jason winning big at Dave and Busters.  Angela and Ben took us out for an amazingly fun night.  We don't have anything like this in Fairbanks.  

 So nice to have this bonding time. 

 Steph and Chad arm wrestling during Dicecapades.

 The absolutely delicious Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curd!  

 My adorable Grandma and Grandpa. 

Chad and Jason doing the Kinect.

 Next it was off to Star of Bethlehem in New Berlin, WI to see my old students, parents, and faculty.  Had such a great time seeing how quickly they have all grown.  I even got to see some volleyball games.  

Me with Megan and Emily.  So good to see what young Christian ladies these girls are growing into.  

 Spent the evening with very dear friends, Betty, Shawn, and Kasey and the kids.  Not pictured is their newest little one, Callen.  They even made me a birthday cake, since I was there on the birthday.  Yes, I am 28!  Too close to 30!  Stayed there talking till late into the night, and then went back to Angela and Ben's and spent time with all my sisters but Kim :(, staying up till 3 A.M.  Wonderful night.

 Patti and Mukesh opened up their beautiful home to all of us for the evening.  Thanks guys, it was a blast!

 Angela and Ben weren't able to be there for the picture, and Kim wasn't able to be there at all, but we still had a nice time with family.  So glad they could come down to Milwaukee.  

 Beautiful Gracie!  Loved spending time with her as I was missing my own puppy. 

 Patti and Mukesh took us to Royal India!  IT was delicious! Especially the peach ice cream and fried donut hole things.  

We arrived back in Alaska at 1:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, October 7.  We immediately picked up our puppy and headed down to Kenai for AcPat (Alaska conference of Pastors and teachers).  IT was a beautiful drive, rainy and cloudy, but still beautiful.  Here is a black and white photo I took as we were driving.  

We had a great time in Kenai for 2 days.  It is such a blessing to get together with these families.  Being 7 hours away from the nearest WELS church makes us so grateful for the times we can be with them.  We then headed back to Fairbanks, SO ready to be home and back to doing the Lord's work.  

 Denali from the road.  Couldn't believe the entire thing was visible!!  This rarely happens!  

 Stopped off at a lookout with amazing views of Mt. McKinley.

 Jason's pretty decent attempt at a panoramic view of Denali.

 My attempt at a black and white photo. 

Even more snow on the mountains then when we drove down to Anchorage.  God's handiwork never ceases to amaze me!

Finley in the back seat on the way home.  Not loving being away from us.  

 A picture for my family and friends who have visited.  Here is what Denali looks like during the off season.  NO people, and everything is boarded up.  Quite different from mid-July. 

Well, we arrived home in one piece. We'd never seen Finley so excited to be back in his own space.  He ran around outside and inside, just relived to have his space back.  Such a spoiled little puppy.  Both of us were also just as excited to be home.  We LOVED going to WI and MN to see family and friends, but it is always nice to get back to your home.  This trip also helped us to feel more confident about where the Lord has placed us.  We know that Fairbanks is our home, and that is is just where we need to be.  We also realized how much we TRULY love it up here.  What a blessing to be able to do the Lord's work in Fairbanks.  

 So what's the first thing I did when I returned.  Well, why not bake 20 German kuchen and two batches of caramel rolls.  Our potluck at church on Sunday was German Theme, so I HAD to do this!  I also made hot German potato salad. So here are the fruits for my kuchen.  Apples, cherries, raspberries, and fresh Alaskan blueberries.  

 Dough made, filling made, fruit set, struesel on top, and ready to go into the oven.  

 Completed kuchens.  Ready to be frozen for winter. 

Yummy, gooey caramel rolls. 

 Finley chilling with his toy we brought back for him.  

 Yes, it is here.  Winter.  Snow.  Cold.  All of it.  But actually, we are both quite ok with it.  Having been gone, that really helps.  Also, it is truly very beautiful here in winter.  

 More snowy pics. Taken just this morning.  Wednesday, October 17, 9:30 a.m. 

As soon as we returned, life picked right back up.  Jason has a Back to the Bible Basics class every Monday night.  He is also leading his normal Sunday Bible class.  We are having a Family Game Night once a month, too.  Jason is working on several different programs to hopefully start this year.  We would like to work with the University students, and also get into more things with the military bases.  We can't wait to see what the Lord has in mind.  He is also starting up another team, called the Leadership team. Northern GLOW, our women's group, is meeting twice a month.  We are in the middle of putting together our very first Advent by Candlelight service.  The women are very excited to see how it goes.  That will be held December 8.  

I haven't been receiving many subbing calls at all, and was beginning to wonder what I was going to do.  Of course, God had a plan.  A member of our church was in major need of a nanny for two weeks, so, I am watching an 8-month old boy all day, every day for two weeks.  Who knows, they may need me longer.  So for now, I am doing this, with hopes that subbing will begin to pick up shortly. On Tuesdays, I have 8 piano students and one voice student.  All of which are home schooled   Yesterday was my first Tuesday with all 9, and it went VERY well.  I also have one other student on Thursdays, with more to join soon.  So that keeps me busy as well.  On Monday nights I am in a gardening class! I love it! Learning everything I need to do for next year so that we can have even more success.  Learning how different things are up here in Fairbanks is going to help greatly.  And then on Thursday evenings, I am in the Fairbanks Symphony Chorus.  This is the first year for the chorus, and so far, it is going really well.  There are around 135 members, which allows for an immense wall of sound.  I am greatly enjoying this experience.  

Finley is doing pretty well.  Testing our patience every now and then, but overall, growing into a wonderful dog.  He is a year and 4 months old.  He is LOVING that the snow is back.  He eats it, rolls in it, and just spends tons of time outside.  

I am writing this in here, so that I HAVE to stick to it.  My goal is to write something on this blog once a week.  I think I have been failing at this because I always feel I need a ton of pictures to make it a decent post.  I've been told several times that I don't, so I will do my best to do once a week.  

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.  We miss you all, and pray that God continue to bless you.

See you next week, 

Becky, Jason, and Finley